Dry Friction Reducer Particles for Water-Saving Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dry friction reducers for hydraulic fracturing are underutilized due to the need for expensive dissolution equipment, abundant clean water, and space constraints at the hydraulic fracturing site, despite being safer and more cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a dry friction reducing polymer, such as polyacrylamide, and a surfactant, processed into particles of 15-45 μm size, which can be delivered and mixed with hydraulic fracturing fluid without specialized on-site equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dry friction reducer uses expensive dissolution equipment and abundant clean water for dilution, then the friction reducing effectiveness is improved, but the equipment complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reducing effectivenessVSAvoiddissolution equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dry friction reducer is pre-diluted with water and processed into particles with controlled size distribution (D10: 5-20 μm, D50: 20-40 μm, D90: 40-80 μm) before delivery to the well site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site dissolution equipment while maintaining the friction reducing effectiveness when the particles are introduced into the hydraulic fracturing fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of the dry friction reducer from a bulk powder requiring dissolution to pre-formed particles with specific size distributions. This parameter change allows the material to be delivered directly in a usable form, eliminating complex equipment requirements while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dry friction reducer requires abundant clean water for dilution, then the friction reducing performance is improved, but the water consumption and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reducing performanceVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The necessary water dilution is performed in advance during particle formation, and the resulting particles are delivered to the well site already prepared for use. This eliminates the need for large volumes of clean water at the well site while maintaining the required dilution for effective friction reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of transporting bulk dry friction reducer material that requires on-site water dilution, the invention transports pre-formed particles that contain the friction reducing polymer already diluted and processed. This copies the final usable state into the delivery medium, eliminating the need for additional water consumption at the application site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Quantity of substance

If dry friction reducer uses significant space at hydraulic fracturing site, then the material storage is improved, but the space constraints and site logistics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial storage capacityVSAvoidsite space requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical form from bulk powder to processed particles with controlled size distribution. This parameter change reduces the volume and improves the storage characteristics of the material, allowing it to be transported and stored more efficiently at the well site while maintaining the required quantity for effective treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dry friction reducer material is segmented into particles with specific size ranges (D10: 5-20 μm, D50: 20-40 μm, D90: 40-80 μm). This segmentation improves storage efficiency and handling characteristics compared to bulk powder, reducing the space required at the well site while maintaining the total quantity needed for the treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient use of dry friction reducers by eliminating the need for on-site dissolution equipment and clean water, enhancing ecological sustainability and reducing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a surfactant, wherein the composition comprises a plurality of particles having an average particle size of from 15 μm to 45 μm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20250388803A1Dry friction reducers and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 ADVANCED FRAC TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A composition for hydraulic fracturing comprising a dry friction reducing polymer and methods of making and using the same are disclosed.